As we start a new year, there are many things I am looking forward to and some I am not.
While progress has been made locally on the new homelessness hub in Belleville, it is this year that the facility at Alhambra Square should officially open its doors in the fall.
The completion of that project, the addition of services, and possibly more provincial support in the future for drug-recovery efforts could make a huge difference.
More progress will be made on the new hospital in Picton, though it’s not scheduled to open until 2027.
Brighton will receive applications and try to fill the hole left by the death of Byron Faretis in November.
We will have at least one major election this year, with a federal campaign all but certain to start later this month.
We could also go to the polls provincially, as it’s expected that Doug Ford will be out looking for a new mandate in the spring.
South of the border, Donald Trump is waiting in the wings, with an avalanche of new challenges and opportunities.
On a closing note, I hope 2025 is a happy, safe and prosperous year for you and yours. One thing is certain. It will be anything but boring.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.


